"There is an intense interest in cosmetics and improved appearance by baby boomers and Generation Xers," says Henry Finger, DDS, FAGD, AGD spokesperson. "Teens especially want to improve their appearance because of peer pressure, publications they read, and their role models."

"Whitening is popular to teenagers merely because they are esthetic-conscious," says Kevin Donly, DDS, MS, lead author of the study. Since most clinical studies evaluate the effects of tooth whitening products among adult subjects, this study was an opportunity to examine the effects on a different population.